Hammerfall has never failed at further establishing themselves as veterans in Sweedish Metal. The bring pure energy and power with technical excellence in their sound that relates and powers a listener. They are not only able to so this with their songs, but with their performances as well.

On 9/10 in Brooklyn, they brought their signature sound of power metal and hard rock to Brooklyn Bazaar. Opening with one of their newer songs off of Dominion,  Never Forgive, Never Forget and One Against the World, they came with pure melody and brutality. Vocalist Joacim wasnt static at any point while Oscar, Pontus and Fredrik brought riffs and solos, nailing everything note for note and also being interactive and engaging with the audience. Drummer David Wallin brought savage brutality and energy with the rhythm as he pounded away on the drums.

They managed to dive deep into the past and present with a song like Renegade, Blood Bound and Any Means Necessary, they were able to satisfy old school fans and new school fans. They basically tapped into their entire catalogue. By doing this and maintaining a great vibe throughout all of it, they are able to show appreciation towards themselves as musicians and their fans. 

The audience themselves is also a force to be reckoned with. The band was feeding off the crowd as much as the crowd was feeding off the band. Playing a song like Riders of the Storm, the audience jumped practically to ceiling level. The pits that opened up took up a good percentage of the dancefloor. Horns were high, vocals were sung, pits were made and smiles were formed. This was a metal show, but there was so much light and life underneath all the black. Ending with a newer song such as (We Make) Sweden Rock and Hearts on Fire, the old school and the new school walked away equally satisfying.

Hammerfall is a band that is very tight and polished with their sound, but completely raw with their emotion, power and energy. At a show, they will get you pumped up to let out your aggression for sure but at the same time, deliver a sound that creates joy and fun.

Dominion out now via Napalm Records

Miss this show? Have no fear! Catch them with Sabaton later this year \m/ \m/